Site C Decision this month! Speak out NOW!

The countdown for a decision on Site C is on! Federal Environment Minster Leona Aglukkaq stated that her ministry will make a decision on October 22nd. If the federal government rejects this project, it is a no go!

Let’s make sure that both levels of government are truly accountable to the citizens of British Columbia, particularly those who will lose their multi-generational homes, farms and cultural lands, before a final decision is made on Site C.

Last week, The Treaty 8 chiefs as well as Union of BC Indian Chiefs Grand Chief Stuart Philip travelled all the way to Ottawa in hopes of discussing the unmitigable impacts Site C would cause to their people. Yet none of the federal environment ministry staff would meet with them! Minster Aglukkaq told the media, “It would not be appropriate for me to discuss any matter relating to the project with an interested party to ensure fairness to all parties.”

Further, the Peace Valley Environment Association (PVEA) was promised in 2006 that the government would tour the valley and meet with affected landowners before any final decision was made on Site C. PVEA has recently followed up on this promise with key provincial government ministers but none of those contacted have even provided the courtesy of a response to date!

The citizens of British Columbia should not beignored!

An essential component of decision-making includes contemplating the issues weighing on one’s conscience. If decision-makers refuse to face those whose lives will be gravely impacted, if they refuse to see, hear and feel the impact on real people and the land, then how are they sufficiently assessing and bearing the weight of their decision?

We ask that you send letters to both Premier Clark and Federal Minister of the Environment, Leona Aglukkaq, insisting that they fully and sufficiently assess this potentially catastrophic project by meeting in the valley, face-to-face with those whose lives will be so gravely impacted. Both First Nations and other citizens deserve this opportunity. This is not a ‘paper’ exercise; this is destruction of Canadian citizens’ livelihoods and way of life!